Boyce recommends Cobb deputy county manager for top job

Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce will ask his colleagues Tuesday to make deputy county manager Jackie McMorris the new county manager.Jackie McMorris, Cobb County Manager

The proposal is included in next week’s meeting agenda (you can read it here).

McMorris, who was named Cobb’s first deputy county manager in October 2017, had been designated as the interim county manager effective April 1, when current county manager Rob Hosack retires.

Hosack, of East Cobb, had been county manager since longtime county manager David Hankerson retired in 2017, and announced last month he would be stepping down.

The resolution to be voted on Tuesday calls for a contract for McMorris through the end of 2023.

The county manager directs the day-to-day governance of county government departments and a workforce of 5,000.

McMorris came to Cobb in 2013 as the director of the Cobb Public Services Agency, following jobs as the chief of staff for the Fulton District Attorney’s Office, and for Cherokee County government as community services director and special assistant to the county manager.

In her job as Cobb deputy county manager, McMorris’ duties included serving as the county’s official lobbyist to the Georgia General Assembly, as well as working with the Board of Commissioners and business and community leaders.

She holds a doctorate degree in adult education, training and development from the University of Arkansas.

Tuesday’s meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the second-floor board room of the Cobb government building, 100 Cherokee St., in downtown Marietta.

On Monday, commissioners will meet there at 1:30 a.m. for a work session, which includes annual updates about the Cumberland Community Improvement District and Truist Park (formerly SunTrust Park) and The Battery.

 

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Wheeler, Kell basketball teams advance in state playoffs

The Wheeler and Kell boys needed some late dramatics in their second-round games of the Georgia High School Association basketball playoffs this week.

The Kell girls moved on with no problem. Wheeler basketball

They’re all headed for the Elite 8 next week, with the Wheeler boys and Kell girls playing at home in the quarterfinals.

In the Class 7A boys tournament, Wheeler came into its game Wednesday ranked No. 6, playing host to second-ranked Shiloh, and it lived up to the billing.

The Wildcats topped Shiloh 65-64 in overtime, as Sam Hines made all six free throws in the extra session, to lead Wheeler with 23 points.

Wheeler, which is 21-7 under third-year coach Larry Thompson, gets to stay at home for one more game. At 7 p.m. Wednesday, the Wildcats will play host to Berkmar, which advanced over Kennesaw Mountain.

In Class 5A, the Kell boys had to travel to Warner Robins, and held on for a 60-53 win on Wednesday that sets them up for a quarterfinal road game on Wednesday against Buford at 6:30 p.m. The Longhorns, who 25-5 on the season, have lost only once since late December.

The Kell girls, ranked No. 2 in Class 5A, crushed Lithonia 58-26, running their record to a perfect 30-0. The Lady Longhorns will play at home at 6 p.m. Tuesday against Jones County.

The Sprayberry girls got to play at home in the second round of the Class 6A tournament on Thursday, but fell to Forest Park 66-55. The Lady Jackets ended their season, which included a region championship, with a 19-10 record.

 

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Winter weather prompts Cobb schools to cancel activities through Friday noon

The Cobb County School District doesn’t have classes this week due to the winter break, but extracurricular activities have been cancelled Friday until noon due to the possibility of icy weather overnight.
Campbell High School lockdown

CCSD employees who are not on winter break do not have to report to work until noon Friday.

Activities taking place this week involve athletics, winter camps and clubs at some schools. Events scheduled after noon on Friday will be held.

Johnson Ferry Christian Academy announced late Thursday afternoon that all Friday classes and after-school activities are cancelled.

The Thursday night forecast called for continuing rain and low temperatures around or below freezing.

Cobb is included in a special advisory issued by the National Weather Service in Atlanta that warns about the possibility of black ice on the roads overnight.

Cobb County government issued the following message about 3:45 p.m. Thursday:

With wet roads, soaked soil, and diving temperatures, the National Weather Service is warning of a “higher than normal” chance of black ice overnight and during the Friday AM rush hour. Cobb DOT has crews on standby and trucks loaded to handle any calls that come in. Report dangerous situations to 911, and use extreme caution especially when driving in the dark.

The county also announced that MUST Ministries in Marietta will open its Loaves & Fishes kitchen (55 Elizabeth Church Road, Marietta) at 8 p.m. Thursday for women and children seeking shelter. Men will be referred to the nearby Extension.

Icy and snowy advisories were issued earlier for the mountains of North Georgia.

Heavy rains have poured all day on Thursday in Cobb and metro Atlanta. By mid-afternoon, the temperature reached 40, and the rain is forecast to end by Thursday night.

But there’s a 50 percent chance of rain by early evening Thursday, and overnight lows Thursday and into Friday could dip down to 30 or lower.

The sun is forecast to arrive by mid-morning Friday, but it will be cold all day, with highs only in the mid-40s.

Friday night lows will be even colder, in the mid-20s, before a sunny Saturday, with highs expected in the mid 50s.

Sunday also will be in the mid-50s and partly cloudy, before the rain returns Monday and Tuesday to greet students and teachers as they return to school.

 

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Sprayberry HS to host panel discussion on youth anxiety

Dr. Ganielle Hooper, a pediatric mental health specialist with a practice in East Cobb, passes along the following information about a film screening and panel discussion she’s holding March 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. in conjunction with Sprayberry High School:Sprayberry youth anxiety panel discussion

I invite you to join other parents, teachers, students & mental health professionals at the Sprayberry High School theater, as Dr. Ganielle Hooper of Axis Hope, LLC hosts a viewing of the documentary ANGST, followed by a panel discussion on Anxiety.

The event is FREE and open to the entire community. Bring the kids! (appropriate for ages 10 & up).

ANGST is a 43 minute award-winning documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety, while providing hope and solutions. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a very special interview with Michael Phelps. Hosted and sponsored by www.axishope.care/events and Sprayberry High School.

Come Early, Bring the Family, Seating is Limited. Over 200 RSVP’s already!

To RSVP (for FREE), click here: https://www.showclix.com/event/angst-axis-hope-sprayberry-high-school

 

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East Cobb food scores: Taqueria Tsunami; Sterling Estates; more

East Cobb Taqueria Tsunami restaurant

The following East Cobb food scores from Feb. 17-20 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for details of the inspection:

Hibachi & BBQ 
2856 Delk Road, Suite 305
February 17, 2020 Score: 100, Grade: A

Jersey Mike’s Subs
4400 Roswell Road, Suite 148
February 20, 2020 Score: 90, Grade: A

Laredo’s Mexican Bar & Grill
1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 400
February 21, 2020 Score: 87, Grade: B

Monticello
2000 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 1200
February 17, 2020 Score: 91, Grade: A

My Friend’s Place at East Cobb
1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 127
February 21, 2020 Score: 88, Grade: B

Pizza Hut
2520 E. Piedmont Road, Suite 124
February 21, 2020 Score: 98, Grade: A

Solana East Cobb 
1032 Johnson Ferry Road
February 18, 2020 Score: 91, Grade: A

Sterling Estates of East Cobb 
4220 Lower Roswell Road
February 19, 2020 Score: 93, Grade: A

Taco Bell
2169 Roswell Road
February 18, 2020 Score: 100, Grade: A

Taqueria Tsunami
1275 Johnson Ferry Road
February 19, 2020 Score: 97, Grade: A

Waffle House
2805 Delk Road
February 19, 2020 Score: 90, Grade: A

Waffle House
550 N. Greenbriar Parkway
February 19, 2020 Score: 96, Grade: A

 

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New Ebenezer Road senior-living complex to have gated entry

Ebenezer Road senior-living complex

A proposed senior-living development at Ebenezer Road and Sandy Plains Road received final approval Tuesday from the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

The major snag—about access to the 9.45-acre tract—was resolved when commissioners voted 4-1 to include a gated entry for what will be a 31-home community.

The application by Traton Homes had been delayed from December after the developer proposed Sandy Plains Road access only, involving U-turns, that prompted objections from commissioners and members of the nearby Sandy Plains Baptist Church.

For Tuesday’s meeting, Traton revised its site plan to provide for access only on Ebenezer Road. The community would be located just below Addison Elementary School.

But Northeast Cobb commissioner JoAnn Birrell’s motion modified what Traton had proposed—the creation of a left-turn lane into the new development from northbound Ebenezer Road, just above its intersection at Sandy Plains Road (the red star on the right of the map).

Her motion also included right-in, right-out access from southbound Ebenezer to southbound Sandy Plains (red star at the bottom).

“Ebenezer, with school traffic, is really dangerous,” Birrell said. “Without a gate, [Ebenezer-to-Sandy Plains access] is going to be a cut-through.”

That change was acceptable to Traton as well as Cobb DOT, which was concerned about Ebenezer left-turn access so close to the Sandy Plains intersection.

Kevin Moore, an attorney for Traton, said the RSL category—single-family, detached homes for those aged 55 and up—would have less of a traffic impact than the current residential category. The property currently has a vacant home built in 1931.

Commissioner Keli Gambrill voted against the Traton application, which requires Birrell to approve the final site plan.

Another East Cobb zoning case is being delayed until March. An application by Legacy Christian School to operate a preschool and kindergarten at Bethany Presbyterian Church (4644 Sandy Plains Road) still needs some traffic and parking revisions, according to Cobb commissioner Bob Ott.

Legacy Christian currently operates a preschool at the nearby  Woodstock Church Shallowford for 68 students, and wants to move its facility.

The Bethany church previously housed a preschool facility, and there is 5,483 square feet available. But a special land-use permit is needed to add kindergarten. The proposed capacity would be 65 students, with parking for 131 cars.

The Legacy Christian School would operate from 9-1 Monday-Friday.

 

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Police seek witnesses to Canton Road Connector crashes

Marietta Police are looking for witnesses to chain-reaction crashes Monday night on the Canton Road Connector at Cobb Parkway North that seriously injured two drivers.

Kanisha Thompson, 25, of Lapine, Ala., and Connie Hawkins, 51, of Euharlee, Ga., were both taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital with life-threatening injuries, according to police.

Police said the incidents took place atMarietta Police, Delk Road motel arrests 10:15 p.m.

They said Thompson was driving a 2011 BMW 328i and Hawkins was behind the wheel of a 2008 Buick Enclave when their cars crashed at the intersection. Police said 911 dispatchers initially reported only minor injuries, and that after the crash, both drivers left their vehicles.

Shortly after that crash, and before first responders arrived at the scene, two other vehicles approached the intersection, according to police.

Police said the cars from the original wreck and their drivers were still standing in the road, and that visibility in the area was poor.

Police said Samy Nolasco, 21, of Rome, was driving a 2001 Nissan Frontier northbound on Cobb Parkway. The truck hit the BMW, which then struck Thompson and Hawkins, according to police, who said the Nissan also hit a 2014 Ford Explorer driven by Jabari Mckenzie, 27, of Kennesaw.

Marietta Police are asking anyone with information to contact Investigator Samimi at 770-794-5384.

 

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Wheeler reunion for classes of 1967-72 set for late April

Thanks to Nancy Collier for sending along this invitation to anyone who graduated from Wheeler High School between 1967 and 1972.

The picnic is to honor the 50th anniversary of the Class of 1970, but the invitation has been expanded to a few classes before and after.

 

Wheeler class reunion

Nancy is with the Marietta-based Peachtree School of the Arts and a private flute and bassoon teacher who’s community recognitions include the Leadership Cobb Class of 2006 and Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta Class of 2010.

 

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Holy Family Catholic Church announces Ash Wednesday schedule

Submitted information:Holy Family Catholic Ash Wednesday

Mass and services with the distribution of Ashes (next Wednesday, Feb. 26) will be held at the following times at Holy Family Catholic Church (3401 Lower Roswell Road). All services will be held in English unless otherwise noted.

7:00 AM Mass

9:00 AM Mass

12 Noon Service (Ashes only)

5:00 PM Mass

6:30 PM Misa en Espanol

8:00 PM Missa em Portuguese

If you’ve got Ash Wednesday, Lent and Easter service information to share, please e-mail us: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

We’ll be compiling a combined listings page, similar to what we do for Christmas services.

 

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East Cobb sports update: Pope wrestling; basketball playoffs

The Pope wrestling team finished fourth in the Georgia High School Association Class 6A traditional championships in Macon, and with one Greyhound taking home an individual state title.

That’s Joey Johnson in the 113-pound category. He was one of seven Pope wrestlers who finished sixth or higher in their weight divisions. The others are as follows:Pope wrestling

  • 2nd – Aidan Karpinski (106)
  • 2nd – Max Druhot (120)
  • 4th – Pat Haskin (145)
  • 5th – Connor Weeks (152)
  • 3rd – Troy Gable (160)
  • 6th – TJ Mordarski (220)

In the team standings, Pope tallied 87 points, behind Creekview (195.5), Cambridge (169.5) and Richmond Hill (155.5).

Last month the Greyhounds won the duals state championship in Class 6A, their first since 2014.

Here are some other wrestlers from East Cobb high schools who finished high in their individual competitions:

  • David Panone, Lassiter, 3rd in Class 7A 132 pounds;
  • Landon Chambers, Lassiter, 2nd in Class 7A 145 pounds;
  • Josh Sanders, Sprayberry, 4th in Class 6A 106 pounds;
  • Joseph Fredeman, Kell, 4th in Class 5A 138 pounds;
  • Andrew Parlato, Kell, 2nd in Class 5A 220 pounds;
  • Robert Austin Westbrook, Walker, 1st in Class A 106 pounds.

Basketball Sweet 16 games set

Three East Cobb high school basketball teams will get to play at home this week as the GHSA state playoffs continue in the Sweet 16.

That’s also known formally as the second-round, as higher-seeded teams will remain at home. The Wheeler boys, Kell girls and Sprayberry girls all advance, and will be at home.

The Wheeler boys trounced Etowah 68-43 in the Class 7A tournament and on Thursday will play host to Shiloh at 7 p.m.

Walton’s boys also were competing in Class 7A, but their season ended at home Friday in a 66-59 loss to East Coweta. The Raiders were 16-13 on the season.

The Sprayberry boys lost in Class 6A to Lanier 76-45. The Pope boys, also playing in 6A, fell to Douglas County 66-57. The Greyhounds were 21-8.

In Class 5A, the Kell boys came from behind to clip Miller Grove 92-91 on Friday, advancing to the second round at Warner Robins either Wednesday or Thursday.

In the Class A private school category, Mt. Bethel Christian’s season ended in a 60-46 loss at Mt. Paran Christian. The Walker School will play host to Mt. Paran Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The Sprayberry girls will be staying at home after rolling past Habersham Centeral 63-58 on Friday. The Lady Jackets play at 6 p.m. Thursday against Forest Park in the Sweet 16.

The Pope girls fell to Douglas County 57-44 to end their season at 19-10.

The Kell girls also won easily by a 58-26 score over Lithonia. The next opponent for the Lady Longhorns will be Bainbridge, and the game will be Wednesday or Thursday.

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Sewell Mill Library showing Jurassic Park all-day movie marathon

With Cobb schools on winter break this week, the Sewell Mill Library is showing a Jurassic Park movie marathon all day and Wednesday.Jurassic Park movie marathon

It’s billed as kid-friendly, and the flyer at the right has the full schedule, but some other info to note is that you may win a prize dressed up as your favorite character.

Also, no food or drink will be allowed in the Black Box Theater.

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Panera Bread at The Avenue East Cobb closing for renovations

Panera Bread The Avenue East Cobb

The shopping center put out the word this morning that the sandwich shop will be closed starting Monday, Feb. 17, through Feb. 28.

Fundraiser at Red Sky

On Sunday Red Sky Tapas & Bar (1255 Johnson Ferry Road) is holding a fundraiser for the Papayago Rescue House, an East Cobb non-profit which rescues and prepares parrots and other birds for adoption, provides medical care, and includes fostering and education programs.

The event goes from 12 noon to 6 p.m. There will be raffle tickets and gift baskets for sale, along with T-shirts, goodie bags and coloring kits for kids. You can also get your photo with a parrot for a $10 donation.

Getting festive

We noted earlier this week about the May 2 date for the Taste of East Cobb (link below). A week before that, on April 26, is the Taste of Marietta, from 11a-7p on the Marietta Square. East Cobb’s Catfish Hox is the reigning champion in the Best Seafood Dish category.

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The Art Place issues artists’ call for upcoming Cat Art Show

If you’re a cat artist, you’ve got until Feb. 21 to submit your work for a Cat Art Show in March at The Art Place (3330 Sandy Plains Road). The Art Place Cat Art Show

The show will take place from March 7-15, and all mediums are accepted.

Here’s more from The Art Place:

Artists are limited to five pieces of work for submission (contact TAP directly to as about jewelry/buttons/small items). 30% of all sales will be donated to local animal shelters and 70% will go back to the artist

There are more details and an online application form by clicking here.

The opening reception for the Cat Art Show is March 7 from 11am-4pm, and the closing reception will be March 14 from 11am – 4pm.

 

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AARP tax assistance available at Cobb public libraries

Between now and right before the April 15 filing deadline, Cobb citizens can get free tax assistance at their public library branch.AARP free tax preparation sessions

The AARP once is again is providing the service, which is available at three libraries in East Cobb.

Every Monday through April 13, Tax Aide will be available at Gritters Library (880 Shaw Park Road) from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Each Tuesday through April 14, you can go to the East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Road), between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

On Thursdays through April 9, the same service will be provided at the Mountain View Regional Library (3320 Sandy Plains Road) from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Here’s more from the AARP on Tax Aide, and what you’ll need to bring when you show up:

IRS-trained tax counselors will provide the Tax-Aide service for low to moderate income taxpayers. The free, confidential service is available to everyone regardless of age and membership in AARP is not required.

AARP Tax-Aide is sponsored by the IRS. Electronic filing will be available at all locations.

No appointments are necessary but arrive early to sign up. Space is limited. Tax-Aide officials request everyone plan ahead to be prepared for their Tax-Aide sessions.

 

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Cobb Commission Chairman candidates slated for Tea Party forum

Cobb commission chairman candidates forum

Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce and Larry Savage, a candidate in that race, will be speaking Monday at a Georgia Tea Party forum in Marietta.

Boyce and Savage are both Republicans who live in East Cobb. The event takes place at the Cobb Republican Party office (799 Roswell Street), with Boyce speaking at 7 p.m., and Savage at 8 p.m.

They have formally announced their candidacies for the May 19 primary. Boyce is a retired Marine colonel and is an active member at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church. Savage is a retired engineer and business executive.

Also running on the GOP side is Ricci Mason, a retired police officer in Cobb County. The only Democrat to announce thus far is South Cobb Commissioner Lisa Cupid.

Boyce was elected in 2016 after initially running in 2012. Savage also ran in 2012 and 2016.

More information about the event and the candidates can be found by clicking here.

The forum is free and open to the public, but you’re asked to RSVP via e-mail: jimtjess@outlook.com.

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Willeo Road lane closures slated for Willeo Creek bridge work

Willeo Road lane closures

Cobb County government sent this out Friday morning, along with the map above:

Beginning Monday, February 17, contractors will be performing soil borings on Willeo Road at the Willeo Creek bridge. Drilling will take place daily from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. through February 21.

This work will require a single lane closure of the bridge either northbound or southbound. Drivers should expect delays during this time and reduced speed through the work zones. Drivers are encouraged to avoid this area and consider alternative routes if possible.

This work is being conducted as part of the Willeo Road over Willeo Creek bridge replacement project. Construction for this project is scheduled to begin in the summer of 2021.

Any questions can be directed to Scott Brunner, City of Roswell Traffic Engineer, at sbrunner@roswellgov.com.

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Black history exhibit comes to Mountain View Regional Library

From this Saturday, Feb. 15, through next Saturday, Feb. 22, Mountain View Regional Library will have a photo exhibit on display as part of Black History Month.Walk In My Shoes exhibit

“Walk In My Shoes” will be available during regular library hours. Here’s more about the exhibit from the Cobb County Public Library System:

It will feature the great migration, inventions from the adaptive mind, art and music over the decades and interactive board of influencers of the community.

For more information, please call the Mountain View Regional Library at 770-509-4964 or visit the Children’s Reference Desk.

The Mountain View Regional Library (3320 Sandy Plains Road) is open Monday—Wednesday 10 am—9 pm; Thursday—Friday 10 am—6 pm; Saturday 10 am—5 pm; and Sunday 1 pm—5 pm.

 

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Eastvalley architect approved; superintendent gets extension

Cobb school superintendent honored
Cobb school superintendent Chris Ragsdale

The Cobb Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to approve a $1.6 million contract for an architect for the new Eastvalley Elementary School.

The design work will be done by the Atlanta firm of Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates, Inc., and construction for the $31.6 million replacement school could get under way by the fall.

Eastvalley will be moving to the site of the former East Cobb Middle School on Holt Road, across from Wheeler High School.

Separate contracts for demolition of the old facility and the replacement work will need school board approval.

The funding for all of those elements comes from collections from the current Cobb Ed-SPLOST V sales tax.

Eastvalley, located on Lower Roswell Road at the Holt Road intersection, has been overcrowded for years.

The school currently has nearly 800 students in 36 regular classrooms and 13 trailers, many of them aging. The condition of those units has prompted complaints from Eastvalley parents.

The Cobb County School District said the new Eastvalley will take up 136,110 square feet, including 61 classrooms, and could hold around 962 K-5 students when it is completed, possibly by 2022.

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The school board also voted Thursday night to spend $303,000 for new a HVAC system for the kitchen at Shallowford Falls Elementary School in East Cobb, and to rename the restructured Riverside Intermediate School in Smyrna to City View Elementary School when it opens in August.

Also on Thursday, the school board voted to extend Superintendent Chris Ragsdale’s contract by a year to 2023. No financial terms were disclosed. Last year, the board gave Ragsdale a seven-percent pay raise to boost his annual salary to $350,000.

 

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East Cobb sports: 10 basketball teams make state playoffs

Nine of the 10 East Cobb teams that qualified for the Georgia High School Association state basketball playoffs will be in action Friday night.Kell Touchdown Club, Corky Kell Classic

Half of them will be playing at home, including a doubleheader at Kell.

The Lady Longhorns of Kell, ranked No. 2 in Class 5A, will be playing Lithonia at 6 p.m., followed by the Kell boys against Miller Grove at 7:30 p.m.

The Longhorns boys are ranked No. 5 in Class 5A.

Another ranked team from East Cobb also gets to stay at home. The Wheeler boys, ranked No. 6 in Class 7A, will face Etowah at 7:30 p.m. at Wildcat arena.

The Walton boys are playing at home as well on Friday, meeting East Coweta at 7:30 p.m. in another Class 7A first-round game.

The Sprayberry girls are playing at home on Friday, against Habersham Central at 7:30 p.m. in a Class 6A playoff contest.

Both Pope teams made the Class 6A playoffs, and will be playing in a doubleheader on the road on Friday at Douglas County. The girls play at 6 p.m. and the boys follow at 7:30 p.m.

The Sprayberry boys will be playing at Lanier Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Two East Cobb boys teams have advanced to the Class A Private category tournament. On Friday, Mt. Bethel Christian plays at Mt. Paran Christian.

The Walker boys got a first-round bye and will play their first game next week.

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McBath endorses Bloomberg’s Democratic presidential campaign

U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath is endorsing former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination.U.S. Rep Lucy McBath, gun violence research funding, McBath border-funding vote

McBath, a first-term Democrat from Marietta who represents the 6th Congressional District of Georgia, said Wednesday that Bloomberg “has given mothers like me a way to fight back against gun violence.

“I’m proud to stand with him in this race. He will win this election, and work with Congress to pass common sense gun safety laws.”

McBath’s 17-year-old son was shot and killed by a man with a gun at a Florida gas station in 2012. The man, who got a life sentence, had complained about loud music coming from a car in which the boy was sitting.

That launched her advocacy for gun-control, and eventually led to her Congressional run in 2018, when she defeated incumbent Karen Handel.

Handel, a Republican, is campaigning to get her seat back, but McBath has a significant fundraising advantage.

According to The Washington Post, McBath received $1.25 million in her 2018 campaign from Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund, a political-action committee co-founded and substantially funded by Bloomberg. The AJC has reported that’s part of around $4.5 million Bloomberg-affiliated gun control groups spent to elect McBath.

McBath is one of 12 House Democrats in Congress and several mayors nationwide to endorse Bloomberg, who announced his presidential campaign in November.

Bloomberg has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on television ads but didn’t enter the Iowa Caucuses or the New Hampshire Primary.

He is campaigning in Georgia, which has a presidential primary March 24.

McBath’s endorsement has stirred some controversy. Charles Blow, a columnist at The New York Times, accused her in a social media posting of being bought by Bloomberg.

A conservative group, Americans for Public Trust, has filed ethics complaints against McBath and other House Democrats, according to Fox News.

The complaint against McBath claims that she was a public spokeswoman for Everytown for Gun Safety as a paid employee while she was campaigning for Congress.

During his time as New York mayor, Bloomberg came under fire for supporting “stop and frisk” policing that was opposed by many black community leaders.

Bloomberg and President Donald Trump have been hurling insults at one another on social media.

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